It’s back, a new season of “The Big C”, starting on Monday, June 27, 2011 on Showtime. “The Big C” tells the story of Cathy Jamison, played by Laura Linney, a wife and mother diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma. Her cancer forces her to shake up her life and find hope and humor in spite of her grim situation. The show may not always accurately portray the life of someone battling skin cancer; however, it brings the topic to the center stage without scaring off viewers due to its morose background.

The FDA recently announced new guidelines that sunscreen manufacturers will be required to follow for over-the-counter sunscreen labeling. Now in order to earn a “broad spectrum” designation, sunscreens must protect from both UVB (burning) rays and UVA (aging) rays. Read on for a summary of improvements as well as how Coolibar can help ease confusion.

On May 20, 2011, the Stay Out of the Sun Run (SOSR) Foundation held their annual walk/race in Rochester, MN that promotes awareness of the dangers of sun exposure and supports melanoma research and education. All proceeds from the SOSR are donated to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center for melanoma research and education. Coolibar was there to participate in this event for the 5th year in a row.

The third story in our series on Skin Cancer Survivors for Melanoma Month. Our survivors have shared their personal stories to remind us of the importance of being SunAWARE. In 2007, Tim went to a Mayo Clinic dermatologist to have a mole on his left arm looked at. The doctor removed it right away so it could be tested. A few years prior, Tim had this same mole tested, and it was fine. But this time, the biopsy showed that the mole had turned into Melanoma.

The second story in our series on Skin Cancer Survivors for Melanoma Month. Our survivors have shared their personal stories to remind us of the importance of being SunAWARE. In 2009, Jessi went to a dermatologist to have a freckle removed. A week later, Jessi received a call from her doctor and was told she had Melanoma …

During May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Coolibar will feature a series on Skin Cancer Survivors. Our survivors have shared their personal stories to remind us of the importance of being SunAWARE. Carol was in her early 30s when she found a freckle on her face that appeared abnormal…

Sun protection habits should start from day one. Experts believe that even two to three sunburns at an early age can increase the risk of skin cancer or health issues later in life. Teach yourself all there is to know about sun protection – then teach your kids too.

It’s not fair that anyone should have to deal with something as life altering as melanoma, especially a 6-year-old. Rachael was only 5 when she was diagnosed with stage III melanoma. After a year of battling and conquering melanoma, Rachael and her family know all too well why sun protection is important.